Approach paper for Kerala's 15th Five-Year Plan approved

The Kerala State Planning Board has approved the approach paper for the state's 15th Five-Year Plan. The primary objective of this plan is to increase the state's annual growth rate from the current 5% to 7%. Under this scheme, the target has been set to increase the state's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) from the current ₹16 lakh crore to ₹28 lakh crore by the end of the planning period.

According to a report by The Hindu, the 15th Five-Year Plan will cover the period from 2027 to 2032. The reconstituted first meeting of the State Planning Board was held on Thursday under the chairmanship of Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, where the approach paper was approved. Distinguishing itself from previous plans, the 15th plan will be prepared in 'Project Mode'.

According to a statement from the Planning Board, a SMART framework—meaning Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Result-oriented, and Time-bound approach—will be adopted for this plan. Along with social foundations such as ensuring essential services, livelihood support, and social security in the development process, environmental limits will also be taken into account. This approach aims to protect Kerala's ecosystem and natural resources while mitigating climate and disaster risks.

During the meeting, a decision was taken to establish various missions. Based on the Kudumbashree Mission model, the 'Kerala Employment and Economic Opportunity Mission' and 'Yuva Kerala Mission' will be created. The Chief Minister will be the chairperson of the 'Kerala Employment and Economic Opportunity Mission'. This mission will be managed by the Planning Board and will be handed over to the State Government within 24 months.

To prepare the details of the Yuva Kerala Mission, discussions will be held between local self-government institutions, departments of higher education, youth affairs, and Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Welfare, as well as members of the Planning Board. Additionally, under the Tribal Sub-Plan, the Scheduled Tribes Welfare Department, in coordination with other departments, will prepare an action plan in mission mode for the implementation of the Forest Rights Act over a five-year period.

A proposal to receive annual financial assistance of up to ₹2.44 crore under NITI Aayog's State Support Mission to strengthen the functioning of the State Planning Board, undertake capacity-building activities, and improve the data analysis department was also approved. It is noteworthy that all other states have also sought similar assistance under this scheme.

It has been decided to provide financial assistance to all districts for the implementation of development schemes. This assistance will be based on the model of current packages for Kasaragod, Wayanad, Idukki, and Kuttanad. To engage local investors and tourists, local investment and development fairs will be organized, with the Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA) acting as the nodal agency and Norka providing support.

To review the progress of the planning, a Plan Review Committee will be formed at the district level under the joint leadership of a member of the Planning Board and the District Collector. Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister emphasized accelerating development works, avoiding delays, and ensuring the effective use of resources.

Earlier, the UDF government had announced a plan to transform the State Planning Board into a 'Think Tank', which would play a major role in overseeing the implementation of priority projects and acting as a link between civil society and the government.